In Need Of Idea's/Recommendations - 14th May 2009 6:46am
Im considering buying a new TV... I have seen a set I like that is an ultra-thin LCD (3cm deep compared to 10cm of normal LCD's - thinnest in the world I think), but the drawback with this is it only has HDMI and VGA input, no SCART (presumably due to size constraints). It is to be VESA mounted, hence my reasons for trying to get the thinnest screen possible. It also has an IPS panel, which means viewing angle issues are practically non-existent, again imho, an important factor when mounting.
The TV will upscale HDMI sources to 1080p and the VGA sources to 720p (and has one of the best upsacling processors on the market), in the short term I can connect my SCART devices to the VGA connector using a SCART-VGA lead, but obviously this has drawbacks in that firstly, I will have to keep changing the cable over from media centre to SCART convertor, unless I buy a VGA splitter, which is okay to a point but unless I spend a decent amount of money, will most likely degrade the signal, and secondly, thought im not that fussed, id rather have the TV upscaling to 1080p since at sizes bigger than 40" it does start to make a difference in a smallish room (albeit a minimal difference imho).
So I figured, the way forward is to purchase a SCART-HDMI convertor. Remember that SCART is an analogue (RGB in this case for the TUTV+ and Sky+, PAL for SVHS) signal and HDMI is a digital signal, so its not as simple as just having a lead with a HDMI connection on one end and a SCART connection on the other, the signal has to be changed from analogue to digital.
I have seen a couple of boxes, one which I know will do the trick (Lektropacks CM393 Centaur Pro) but is a bit steep, though I can get a one way convertor for about £130ish, and one that probably will do the trick (Thor HDC200) that I like (good make as well) though im not 100% sure at this point.
Now, obviously these are fairly pricey options (especially when you add another £40 on top for a decent cambridge HDMI lead), considering all they are going to do is convert a signal and connector, so does anyone know of a Freesat or Freeview box, that will accept a SCART input and convert the SCART signal so that it can be output via HDMI to the television. Im thinking such an alternative may work out cheaper, but also offer a bit more for the cash (Freesat wise anyway), though im probably going to end up with a dedicated solution, just seeing if anyone has any ideas for me to consider. Its basically a case of getting my TopUp TV+/Sky+ boxes and SuperVHS Recorder analogue SCART signals to digital over HDMI. I don't need the signal upscaled tbh, as the TV will do that job using its own (and almost certainly far superior) upscaling processor, so would rather leave it at 576i anyway.
Cheers!
The TV will upscale HDMI sources to 1080p and the VGA sources to 720p (and has one of the best upsacling processors on the market), in the short term I can connect my SCART devices to the VGA connector using a SCART-VGA lead, but obviously this has drawbacks in that firstly, I will have to keep changing the cable over from media centre to SCART convertor, unless I buy a VGA splitter, which is okay to a point but unless I spend a decent amount of money, will most likely degrade the signal, and secondly, thought im not that fussed, id rather have the TV upscaling to 1080p since at sizes bigger than 40" it does start to make a difference in a smallish room (albeit a minimal difference imho).
So I figured, the way forward is to purchase a SCART-HDMI convertor. Remember that SCART is an analogue (RGB in this case for the TUTV+ and Sky+, PAL for SVHS) signal and HDMI is a digital signal, so its not as simple as just having a lead with a HDMI connection on one end and a SCART connection on the other, the signal has to be changed from analogue to digital.
I have seen a couple of boxes, one which I know will do the trick (Lektropacks CM393 Centaur Pro) but is a bit steep, though I can get a one way convertor for about £130ish, and one that probably will do the trick (Thor HDC200) that I like (good make as well) though im not 100% sure at this point.
Now, obviously these are fairly pricey options (especially when you add another £40 on top for a decent cambridge HDMI lead), considering all they are going to do is convert a signal and connector, so does anyone know of a Freesat or Freeview box, that will accept a SCART input and convert the SCART signal so that it can be output via HDMI to the television. Im thinking such an alternative may work out cheaper, but also offer a bit more for the cash (Freesat wise anyway), though im probably going to end up with a dedicated solution, just seeing if anyone has any ideas for me to consider. Its basically a case of getting my TopUp TV+/Sky+ boxes and SuperVHS Recorder analogue SCART signals to digital over HDMI. I don't need the signal upscaled tbh, as the TV will do that job using its own (and almost certainly far superior) upscaling processor, so would rather leave it at 576i anyway.
Cheers!